The annual Christmas Honors wreath-laying event at Fort Smith National Cemetery is set for December 2025. This marks the 17th year of the initiative, which has grown significantly since its inception. The event aims to honor fallen service members by placing wreaths on their graves.
A wreath assembly workshop will take place on December 5, 2025, at the Fort Smith Convention Center from 08:00 to 14:00. Organizers seek volunteers, as well as trucks and trailers, to assist in transporting the wreaths to the cemetery. This collaborative effort is essential for the success of the event.
The main wreath-laying ceremony is scheduled for December 6, 2025. Family members are invited to place wreaths on their loved ones’ graves from 08:00 to 10:30. Following this, a public ceremony will commence at 11:00 at the pavilion, with the public wreath-laying starting around 11:30.
After the event, wreath pick-up will occur on January 7, 2026, at the cemetery. The pack-up of materials is planned for January 8, 2026, at the convention center.
Community involvement is crucial for Christmas Honors, which relies on volunteers and donations to continue its mission. The initiative began in 2009 with wreaths placed on approximately 12,000 graves. Today, it honors over 16,000 headstones each year, highlighting the community’s dedication to remembering those who served.
For additional information about the event and how to get involved, visit www.christmashonors.org. This annual gathering not only commemorates the sacrifices of service members but also fosters a sense of community and remembrance among participants.
